Sunnyside Beach Park has become a popular diving destination known for its underwater attractions and marine environment. The site is particularly appealing because it’s located away from the strong currents of the Tacoma Narrows, ensuring easy diving conditions with plenty to explore.
Key Underwater Features
Abandoned Sewer Pipeline: The main attraction is an abandoned sewer pipeline that runs offshore from the beach, which consistently attracts marine life and serves as the primary underwater feature for divers to explore.
Sunken Vessels and Artificial Features: The site includes several sunken skiffs, underwater lines leading to various submerged items, and even a feature called “Frosty the Snowman”. These artificial features provide additional points of interest for underwater exploration.
Marine Life
Divers can expect to encounter a diverse array of marine life, including:
- Giant Pacific Octopus (GPO)
- Sea pens
- Surf perch and rockfish
- Crabs (excellent spot for crab harvesting)
- Gunnels and tube snouts
- Anemones
- Nudibranchs
- Jellies and squid eggs
- Sole
- Sea pups (seals)
Diving Conditions and Accessibility
Depth and Navigation: The pipeline begins at approximately 35-45 feet of water (depending on tide) and continues down a gradual slope to at least 80 feet, with possibilities for deeper exploration. Divers can easily locate the pipeline by setting a compass bearing to 290 degrees from the outdoor shower toward the right side tip of the island across the water.
Visibility: Current conditions show visibility of 15-20 feet in deeper water and 10-15 feet in the shallows. Historical reports indicate visibility can reach up to 20 feet on good days.
Current Conditions: Even during significant tidal exchanges (10-foot range), divers report experiencing almost zero current, making it an ideal site for relaxed diving.
Practical Information for Divers
Access: Divers must cross a bridge over railroad tracks and descend steps to reach the beach. The parking lot is a considerable distance from the beach access point, so bringing a wheeled cart is highly recommended to transport gear.
Skill Level: The site is excellent for beginning divers to practice skills, with depths of 20 feet or less within 40 yards of shore.
Safety: A dive flag is highly recommended as boats may pass directly overhead.
Amenities: The park offers excellent facilities including picnic benches, outdoor cold-water rinse showers, bathrooms, playground, covered BBQ area, and restrooms.
Diving Experience
Multiple diver reviews consistently praise Sunnyside Beach Park as a relaxing and rewarding dive site. The combination of easy conditions, diverse marine life, interesting artificial features, and excellent park amenities makes it a popular destination for both novice and experienced divers in the Pacific Northwest.
this post was written with Kagi Research Assistant at https://kagi.com/assistant/a58fa9a0-7e3e-4c6b-b300-c84b24787d53.
Dive Sunnyside Beach 